[Extract] The social science investigation of head lice infestations is extremely limited. The neglect of this area of research is mainly due to the fact that this organism has not caused mortality or any significant morbidity in developed societies in contemporary history [1]. From a biomedical point of view it is therefore not a high priority health issue but more a nuisance infection. Research on Pediculus capitis focuses overwhelmingly on insect biology, ecology, epidemiology and treatment rather than the sociological impact [2]. Publications for various interest groups create a short list of social science research around this insect for physicians, parents, teachers, school nurses [2].
This chapter presents published and unpublished information from an internet survey conducted by the authors and provides an overview of research on knowledge, attitudes and practices of those who encounter head lice and considers questions yet to be answered
